Room 304, Diety Hall

Author: Yukimi2 yukimi2@yahoo.com

Dedicated to: Xiao-san, for being there with me when I practically went psycho =)

Pairing: Die x Shinya, and…

Comment: lalalala…. Comments if any =)

Episode 17: A Cookie for Your Thoughts?

Kaoru ran out the dormitory as soon as he saw the figure run from Shuse’s doorway. The purple head hurried across the grass, not caring that the weather was bellow freezing and he practically had no jacket on; he even still had the plate of cookies on his hand. Die was still glowering at Kyo and Shuse before he left, so he decided not to tell Die anything until the red head calmed down.

Kaoru suddenly stopped. He lost track of Shinya. The younger man, though slim, feminine, and clad in a long skirt, sure ran as fast as lightning. Then Kaoru remembered the time when Shinya pushed he and Hakuei against the wall. The guy can’t be human.

Kaoru sank to his knees in the grass and heaved. God! His chest hurt. He can’t run anymore. Must’ve been all that unhealthy food and smoking.

Kaoru turned to look at Diety Hall from afar. It was surprising that Die hasn’t thrown Kyo or Shuse out the window. The purple head decided to go back to the dorm, since there was no way he can find Shinya now.

Kaoru clutched his plate of cookies as he started to feel the zero below temperatures infiltrate his thin shirt. He was already close to the dormitory building when a familiar voice called out his name.

"KAORUUUU!! ^o^!!!"

The purple head turned. "Totchi?!"

The blue head was smiling jubilantly. "Gyah! Kao-kao, I miss you!!" He jumped and hugged Kaoru excitedly, almost making his roommate drop the plate.

"Totchi, you’ll make me drop the plate!"

"Wah! So you don’t miss me? ;_;?" Toshiya pouted cutely.

"No, no! I do miss you! A lot!" Kaoru frowned. "Totchi, you didn’t call me!" Then he remembered the incident in the hallway. How could he expect Toshiya to call him? "Ne, Totchi. I’m real sorry about what happened in the hallway."

Toshiya looked at Kaoru. "No, Kaoru. I should apologize for acting so childish."

"Totchi! I was being childish! Please don’t blame yourself!"

"But Kaoru---"

"Here, have a cookie."

"A-arigatou." Toshiya picked up a chocolate one.

"Hey, babe. I got your purse from the car." Hakuei suddenly popped up from behind the blue head and wrapped his arms around his lover’s waist. He held Toshiya’s tiny snakeskin {fake, of course ~Yk2} purse on one hand. He gave his lover a small kiss on the cheek then noticed Kaoru. "oh, it’s you."

Kaoru glared. God knows he wanted to mutilate that annoying little face up, but , for Toshiya’s sake {and Hakuei’s fans’s sake ^^} he tried to be nice. He shoved the plate of cookies in front of the blonde and produced a scary, fake smile. "Here, Hakuei-chan." He said in an over-mellifluous voice. "Have a cookie."

Suddenly, gasps were heard from the dorm’s upstairs window.

"Ack!! He’s giving Hakuei the cookies!!" Kyo exclaimed.

Kaoru, Toshiya, and Hakuei saw almost everyone from Shuse’s party looking out the opened window.

Toshiya frowned and waved his cookie around. "You guys are so mean! What’s wrong with Kao-kao’s cookies?"

Hyde’s head popped out the window. "Don’t eat it, Toshiya! You’ll get kidney stones or maybe indigestion!"

"Toshiya," Takeo said, "if you must know, Kohta and Jun are using one of those cookies as a puck for table hockey."

"WHAT!?!?!??!" Kaoru exclaimed.

"And," Takeo continued, "Koji’s wondering if you could give him the rest of the plate so he could use them for poker chips."

"MOU~! ><"

Hakuei looked at the cookie inquisitively. "you want ME to eat THIS?"

Kaoru looked at Hakuei. "Well, are you eating?"

Kyo yelled. "LOOK!! He’s offering them to Hakuei. Those cookies MUST be fucked up!!"

Kaoru balled up his hand to a fist and raised it. "You shut up, Kyo!!"

Hakuei put the cookie back on the plate. "Erm…no thanks."

Toshiya stamped his feet. "you guys! Kaoru worked so hard on these cookies! How inconsiderate can you all be? Where’s your compassion?"

"We don’t give a fuck about compassion." Kyo said. "We wanna stay alive."

"Fine! I’m eating this!"

"If you start combusting in flames, I’m NOT helping you!" Kyo retorted.

Toshiya gave him the finger. Without another word, he stuffed the cookie in his mouth.

"I lay down $20 for Toshiya to last about 10 seconds." Koji said.

"No way. $10 for 5." Hiro said.

"Here’s $20 for 3" Taka fished his wallet out.

Toshiya stood silently as the cookie just lay on his tongue. He tried his best not to show any indication of disgust. The cookie tasted terribly raw.

Kaoru looked at him expectantly.

Hakuei looked at him as if he was nuts.

Taka frowned after 3 seconds passed. Everyone else looked at their wristwatches and timed how long Toshiya would last.

Toshiya closed his eyes after tears started to form. ~Gyah! This is terrible~ Toshiya couldn’t take it anymore. He spit the cookie out and choked as tears streamed down his face.

Koji grinned triumphantly as Taka and Hiro reluctantly handed him their money. Hakuei bent down and inspected the cookie amazedly. Kyo cackled like a madman.

Kaoru sulked, but stopped when he saw Toshiya still choking. He went over. "Totchi? Daijyobou?" When he saw the tears, he panicked. "Totchi!" He wiped the tears with his thumb. "Gomen, gomen! You didn’t have to eat it! I’m so sorry."

Toshiya could only nod while he stuck his tongue out and gagged. "I’m *hack* OK."

Kaoru bit his lip. Now he felt really bad.

Hakuei stood up and watched Toshiya and Kaoru. He glared at the unnoticing purple head so hard he could’ve burned a hole through his skull.

"*ack* Need---need---water!" Toshiya cracked.

"Water?" Kaoru asked, rubbing his roommate’s back. "Alright, Totchi. Just stay put!" He got up to go to the dorm.

Hakuei shifted and blocked his way. He narrowed his eyes at Kaoru. "I think Toshiya can have as much water as he wants at my apaato."

Kaoru blinked. "WHAT?! He’s choking right now. He needs water!"

"He’s not choking. He’s just not enjoying the taste. It’ll go away."

Kaoru’s eye twitched. He’s had about enough of this guy. "Get the fuck outta my way!"

Hyde yelled to Shuse’s party. "WOO!! FIGHT!!"

Kaoru pursed his lip.

"DON’T FIGHT!!!" Toshiya managed to yell out.

Hakuei gave Kaoru an evil smile. "Hmm..that’s just too bad. *MY* lover doesn’t want any violence."

"What are you imposing?" Kaoru glowered.

Hakuei smirked and turned to walk away, half dragging and half carrying Toshiya. The purple head waited until the couple was far off in the distance. He picked up a cookie and threw it across the walkway, hitting the back of Hakuei’s head with a loud thunk. Kaoru giggled uncontrollably as he scrambled into the dorm. Kaoru couldn’t help grinning to himself.

~I guess these cookies aren’t too bad after all.~

*****

Yoshiki sat on his chair with his legs crossed. The bedroom was lighted with a faint yellow glow from the lamp on the bedside table. The light shone on the sleeping figure on the bed, whose auburn hair splayed out in contrast to the creamy, silk sheets. The younger man shifted slightly, but remained asleep. Yoshiki sighed and leaned back. He desperately wanted to be Shinya’s guiding light. There was so much of himself that he saw in the young man. Ambition. Stubbornness. Determination. Perfection. And passion.

The older man picked up the frame on his bedside table. He stared helplessly at it.

~Shinya. All I want is the best for you……… Hide, what would you do in this situation?~

Yoshiki took a deep breath and looked at Shinya again. He could remember what happened to him earlier….

*Flashback*

Shinya passed through empty lots and walkways without a thought and without a care in the world. He thought he heard someone following him at one point, but now, he heard nothing but his clomping shoes and that voice in his head.

~I HATE SHINYA!~

Why? Why does this bother him so much? It wasn’t as if HE doesn’t hate the guy too. What did it matter?

Shinya clamped his eyes shut. He was going to cry. He can’t cry. He won’t cry. Especially over that jerk. Jerk? He’s the one that’s been a jerk to the red head since day one. He deserves to be hated. No. it wasn’t right. He was ready to talk to Die about the incident last quarter. He wanted to talk it out because the tension was too intense. Unfortunately, he came through the door while Die yelled like a madman.

~I HATE SHINYA~

The young man opened his eyes. He didn’t know where he was going. He didn’t know how long he’s been running. Nevertheless, he instinctively ran into the Music Building and knocked on Professor Yoshiki’s door. The young man was surprised to see Professor Toshi {LOL. Professor of Chemistry} open it.

Toshi blinked. "MAY I HELP YOUUUU??"

Shinya winced. Professor Toshi is known for his glass-breaking, ear-wrenching voice. No wonder the Chemistry Department never had funds.

"A-ano, could I speak to Professor Yoshiki please?"

Toshi nodded hesitantly. "YOSHIKIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!"

*glass breaks*

"What?"

"VISITOOOOOOOOOOOOOR!!"

*cracks*

Yoshiki soon appeared, his hair slightly out of place. "Shinya?! Is there a problem?"

Shinya felt his barrier break after he saw the concerned look Yoshiki had. He felt tears flow down his face uncontrollably and he hugged the older man in a tight embrace. Yoshiki widened his eyes in surprise, but softened his expression after he heard sobs emulating from the fragile form.

"Toshi, I’ll have to….*talk* ….to you tomorrow then." Yoshiki said quietly.

Toshi nodded, but glared at the auburn-head before leaving.

"Here, Shinya. Have a seat." Yoshiki led him to the soft leather couch. "Tell me what happened." He held Shinya’s hand assuringly.

"I…I don’t know…" Shinya sobbed. "I really don’t know…"

Yoshiki nodded. "You want something to drink?"

Shinya shook his head, but noticed the bottle of brandy and two half-empty wine glasses on the table. ~Masaka……..~

Shinya looked at his hands hastily. "Gomendasai. I…I ruined your plans for the night with your lover…."

Yoshiki raised an eyebrow. "Lovers? You mean Toshi and I?" He chuckled. "Nah. We just like to hang out."

"Sou desu ka?" Shinya said quietly, but couldn’t help feeling better upon hearing Yoshiki being single. Shinya sniffled.

"Shinya. You don’t have to tell me what’s wrong, but I believe you came to my office for that reason."

Shinya nodded. "It’s about someone…" He gripped his skirt tightly. "…who’s very angry at me, and he has a right to be angry because….because I have been cold toward him. But…" Shinya felt the tears come back. "I….I….was going to apologize!" Shinya rubbed his wet eyes with the back of his hand. "I was standing at the door! And he……and he……" The young man burst into uncontrollable tears.

Yoshiki pulled him close. "Sh….it’s OK…"

Shinya cried on his idol’s shoulder. "He…he HATES me, Professor! He said he hates me!"

"Shinya, no one can hate someone with such passion."

"yes he does! He does! He yelled it to everybody! Professor Yoshiki, he HATEs me!! *sob* sniff* sob*."

"That doesn’t mean a thing. Words speak less than actions. Actions speak nothing but truth. Truth should be what you ought to listen to. Sometimes people say things, but they don’t mean it. Politicians do it all the time. They say they’ll do this and do that, but all they do is sit on their leather chairs and grow gray hair." {I just had to put some wise words from Yoshiki ^-^ ~yk2}

Shinya sobbed. "But it hurts….it hurts so much…..why do people do this?"

"Because we’re people." Yoshiki sighed. "Shinya, when I was your age, I was like that too. Music was my love, and I believed it for years. I truly believed nothing could get in my way of trying out for the New York Symphony Orchestra. Then someone came along and convinced me otherwise without meaning to. He was wild, crazy, and preposterous! We met at college, in some music class. I was always top of the class, but he always broke the rules of music, which irritated, and yet, fascinated me. His style of composition was so….so out of place, but he captured my heart. When I realized he could steer my goal from becoming a member of the orchestra, I developed a dislike for him; but he clung on to me despite my coldness. One day, I was driven over the edge. I did say I hated his guts. That hurt him. Hurt him so much he stopped talking to me. I never apologized, which was the biggest mistake of my life."

Yoshiki closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "A week after I got in the orchestra, I wrote a letter to him saying how happy I was to be a part of it." He laughed humorlessly. "I was young and inconsiderate. I never gave a single hint of apology on the letter, but instead, gave an impression of triumph and glory. Shinya, I don’t want you to end up like me. Don’t be stubborn, alright?"

"……….."

"Shinya?"

Shinya was asleep in Yoshiki’s arms.

*end flashback*

A bright ray of sunlight shone through the window and woke the sleeping man on the chair. Yoshiki blinked. How long had he been asleep? He checked his grandfather clock. Almost time for work. The young man was still asleep on the bed. Yoshiki got up and was about to prepare breakfast when the phone rang. He picked it up.

"Moshi moshi?" he greeted tiredly.

"YOSHIKIIIIIIIII??"

"Oh, hi Toshi."

"WHEN ARE WE *TALKING* TODAY?"

"I don’t know. I’m a little tired today."

"…………"

"Toshi?"

"YOU’RE WITH THAT BOY, AREN’T YOU?"

"Well, yes. He fell asleep on the couch last night."

"……OH……."

"Toshi, is anything wrong?"

"….YOU LIKE THAT BOY, DON’T YOU?"

"WHAT??!"

"TWO-TIMER!!" Toshi shrieked and hung up the phone.

Yoshiki put the phone back on the receiver. He could still hear ringing on his ears.

"Who was that?"

Yoshiki saw Shinya sitting on the bed. "You’re awake. Oh, it’s Toshi."

"He sounded upset." Shinya yawned.

Yoshiki chuckled. "He’s always upset. By the time nighttime comes, he’ll cool down."

"Are you sure you and Toshi aren’t lovers?"

"Where did you hear that from?"

"Dorm gossip."

"Interesting. Even I’m the subject of dorm gossip."

Shinya giggled. "yes. And there are also rumors you and Toshi have sex every night in your office."

"WHAT?!" Yoshiki exclaimed. "Who said that?"

"Kyo."

"Why that little….!!" Yoshiki sneered. "Just because I failed him that quarter…and if the staff hears about his…." Yoshiki started pacing back and forth. "Toshi and I aren’t’ even together."

"But it sure sounds as if there’s something between you."

"No there’s not. I don’t even like him."

Shinya winced.

~~I don’t even like the boy! I HATE SHINYA!~~

"Professor Yoshiki. Please don’t say that." Shinya said quietly.

Yoshiki stopped and stared.

"I’m sure Professor Toshi has feelings for you."

"I doubt---"

"It doesn’t mean his feelings have to be romantic. They could be friendship, or commeradship; but whatever it is, you can tell he truly cares about you. I understand this whole idea of words does not necessarily conduct action; and I understand human nature is imperfect and frustration could lead to feelings similar to hatred. But take an advice from a student to a teacher: it hurts. When someone seriously says they hate you, it hurts. That’s one thing I learned from this, and I vow to try my best NOT to say it again." Shinya gave a tired smile.

Yoshiki smiled back. ~Shinya, you’re growing up.~ He thought proudly.

Yoshiki suggested. "Would you like breakfast here or elsewhere? You don’t have a morning class, do you?"

"I have M367 with Professor Komuro."

Yoshiki snorted. "You won’t learn very much from that class anyway."

"Actually, Professor," Shinya got up from the bed. "I would like to go back to my dorm."

"As you wish," Yoshiki said. "you may borrow my coat. It’s below freezing outside."

Shinya smiled. "Aritagatou, Prof. Yoshiki."

CONTD @ Episode 18: I’m Sorry.

to be continued~